Red Birds in a Tree – Scrophularia macrantha

Red Birds in a Tree fruit

‘On the mainland the figwort is known for its medicinal properties,

and in the islands for its magical powers.

On the mainland the leaf of the plant is applied to cuts and bruises,

and the tuber to sores and tumours.

In the islands the plant was placed on the cow fetter,

under the milk boyne, and over the byre door,

to ensure milk in the cows.’

 

In  Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900]

 

This native plant of New Mexico has become rare in nature, growing only in a small area of New Mexico. It carries the common names of New Mexico Figwort and Mimbres Figwort for that reason. It is usually considered Rare or Endangered. A relatively new interest has been given this plant and the nursery industry has assigned the new name of Red Birds in a Tree to it. The new name is due to the striking red flowers it bears from July to October in its native habitat. Here on the east coast I have seen this plant happy and flourishing in the University of Delaware’s Botanical Garden. I saw it in August and the flowers seemed done, but it had great seedpods growing profusely.

 

The Yavapai people of Arizona had at one time used the leaves as spring greens and ate them boiled. No other reference to this variety of figwort being consumed could be found.

 

The genus name, Scrophularia is based on the word scrofula (tuberculosis of the lymph nodes found in the neck) which members of this genus have been used to treat. Although there is no mention of this specific member having been used for anything medicinal!

Moth Mullein – Verbascum blattaria

I am too near, too clear a thing for you,

Moth Mullein flowers

                                                      A flower of mullein in a crack of wall,

                                                       The villagers half see, or not at all….

By Lizette Woodworth Reese

This biennial import from Europe and Africa has escaped cultivation in North America and is considered an invasive plant in Colorado and a weed elsewhere. It was first recorded in Pennsylvania in 1818, and was recorded in Michigan in 1840. It has since been found in almost every one of the continental United States, as well as in southern Canada and even Hawaii. Like other biennials it begins life a ground hugging rosette, it is not until its second year than a central stalk rises and bears flowers.

Unlike its more widespread cousin Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) it is not used frequently in herbal medicine. But there was a single reference found to research being done on its use for the treatment of cancer. There is some evidence that it may be useful as a non-narcotic pain killer.

A study conducted in 1974 focused on the insecticidal properties of Moth Mullein. It found that 53% of mosquito larvae were killed. This report supports the uses that New England women used it for…keeping moths from the winter woolens!

To check out my previous post on this plant check it out here

Common Mullein – Verbascum thapsus

Common Mullein flowers

A Flower of Mullein

 

I am too near, too clear a thing for you,

A flower of mullein in a crack of wall,

 

The villagers half see, or not at all;

Part of the weather, like the wind or dew.

 

You love to pluck the different, and find

Stuff for your joy in cloudy loveliness;

 

You love to fumble at a door, and guess

At some strange happening that may wait behind.

 

Yet life is full of tricks, and it is plain,

 

That men drift back to some worn field or roof,

To grip at comfort in a room, a stair;

 

To warm themselves at some flower down a lane:

You, too, may long, grown tired of the aloof,

 

For the sweet surety of the common air.

By Lizette Woodworth Reese

Very early in the 18^th century this native of Europe was imported and cultivated specifically for its medicinal properties. By 1818 it was mistaken for a native plant here! By 1839 it could be found in Michigan and by 1876 in California. It has become one of the most common plants growing beside the roadways and other disturbed areas. It reproduces prolifically, but is not aggressive. In Colorado and Hawaii it is listed as a noxious weed.

Since antiquity this plant has been recognized as a treatment for skin, throat, and breathing problems. Pliny the Elder described it in his Naturalis Historia. The entire plant has slight narcotic and sedative properties. It is the seeds that have the narcotic properties, so they are considered toxic by some.

Su la e u ste (the Cherokee name) was used by the Cherokee for treating colds, bronchitis, and asthma by using a tea made of the leaves or flowers. The oil in the flowers was squeezed and used in the ear for children’s earaches when they had what we today call swimmers ear. The leaves would also be placed in moccasins, like inner soles, for comfort.

It used to be carried as a talisman for protection. If Mullein is worn on the person it is to keep wild animals away, it also encourages courage to the bearer. When carried it can also attract love!

Birds Eye Speedwell – Veronica persica

Birdseye Speedwell

This annual herb is a native of Eurasia that has become naturalized throughout the USA in disturbed areas like roadsides, lawns, fields, and empty lots. It was first recorded here as early as 1825, probably imported with clover and other cover crop seeds.

The name is derived from the story concerning a young girl (later canonized as St. Veronica) who wiped Jesus Christ’s face with Speedwell flowers on his journey to Calvary. As a result of this, healing properties were transferred to this lovely plant.

The use of Speedwell in healing to clears sinus congestion; eases eye soreness and helps eyesight. Goes to areas of tension, specifically the neck and shoulder areas and relaxes the muscles. A decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea and hemorrhage.

Due to the bitter flavor, speedwell leaves and young shoots are used for food only in famine situations.

Mullein – Verbascum thapsus

Common Mullein Flowers

I have, in the past made up Kinnikkinnik, a Native smoking mixture. I always add mullien to the mix for its soothing abilities. If the mix is for someone attempting to quit smoking topbacco, then it is a must for the formulae!

This is a biennial plant. The first year the plant is a rosette of leaves that hug the ground. The second year it puts up a stalk on which the flowers grow.

It can be used in an infused oil for ear infection in children. You would infuse the flowers (dried or fresh) in olive oil. To use you would warm the oil and place one to five drops into the ear canal. Block the ear with cotton.

Native Americans used the smoke for the treatment of asthma. As an infusion it was taken for a wide range of chest complaints, diarrhea, and bleeding in the lungs as well as bowels.

Warning: The seeds are believed to be poisonous, so use care in their use